MA
Weir's Way is scheduled in the middle of the night, btw, because it's a joke in this day and age to repeat a programme that old. Can you image that in prime time? It appears only to exist to a) meet the regional quota and b) attract a cult audience of students etc.
Is it also used as a schedule filler as well perhaps cos they can't be bothered to find anything else?
Marty
Founding member
p_c_u_k posted:
Weir's Way is scheduled in the middle of the night, btw, because it's a joke in this day and age to repeat a programme that old. Can you image that in prime time? It appears only to exist to a) meet the regional quota and b) attract a cult audience of students etc.
Is it also used as a schedule filler as well perhaps cos they can't be bothered to find anything else?
PC
Bingo - but by accident it became a bit of a cult favourite with students and the like, and has begun to appear a bit earlier in the early morning (if that makes sense).
It was on as early as half midnight recently. (Mind you, so was Scotland This Week for some bizarre, unscheduled reason).
It was on as early as half midnight recently. (Mind you, so was Scotland This Week for some bizarre, unscheduled reason).
GS
I can assure you that when I say I watch and enjoy the programme, there's no irony involved at all. It might well be a favourite of students too, but that's more of a happy coincidence.
I didn't like it when it was made because I was young and coudn't care less about Scotland and its history and geography. In fact, when I saw the STV symbol appear at the start I used to be disappointed if the programme turned out to be anything other than Glen Michael's Cavalcade.
As a 30-something I've begun to appreciate it like I could never have in the late 1970's and 80's.
Of course I take the point that a 25 year old documentary shot on scratchy 16mm shouldn't be in primetime, and it's scandalous that they have never made anything else like it - but the programme has more worth than being merely a "quota" filler as you suggest.
Gavin Scott
Founding member
p_c_u_k posted:
Bingo - but by accident it became a bit of a cult favourite with students and the like, and has begun to appear a bit earlier in the early morning (if that makes sense).
I can assure you that when I say I watch and enjoy the programme, there's no irony involved at all. It might well be a favourite of students too, but that's more of a happy coincidence.
I didn't like it when it was made because I was young and coudn't care less about Scotland and its history and geography. In fact, when I saw the STV symbol appear at the start I used to be disappointed if the programme turned out to be anything other than Glen Michael's Cavalcade.
As a 30-something I've begun to appreciate it like I could never have in the late 1970's and 80's.
Of course I take the point that a 25 year old documentary shot on scratchy 16mm shouldn't be in primetime, and it's scandalous that they have never made anything else like it - but the programme has more worth than being merely a "quota" filler as you suggest.
PC
Sorry, I meant that SMG viewed it more as a quota filler than that I didn't think it had any worth, although I do feel it looks very dated right now.
How much could it cost to produce an updated Weir's Way, with a new presenter if necessary? (Although I believe Mr Weir is still with us) The old programme doesn't look like it cost a lot to produce, and it would gain the benefits of a) providing a new programme for a 7.30pm slot; b) gaining publicity by being linked to the old Weir's Way, from older viewers, those who have discovered it and genuinely like it, and the student lot, and c) could actually be quite interesting.
How much could it cost to produce an updated Weir's Way, with a new presenter if necessary? (Although I believe Mr Weir is still with us) The old programme doesn't look like it cost a lot to produce, and it would gain the benefits of a) providing a new programme for a 7.30pm slot; b) gaining publicity by being linked to the old Weir's Way, from older viewers, those who have discovered it and genuinely like it, and the student lot, and c) could actually be quite interesting.
GS
Gosh he's bound to be beyond his hiking days now I woulds have thought. Nice to know he's still around.
The programmes weren't exactly lavish in cinematography, but the charm really is in the commentary and sheer volume of history and personal experience that Tom brought to it.
I'm sure there must be someone to take the programme foward, but I won't hold my breath that SMG will start looking.
Gavin Scott
Founding member
p_c_u_k posted:
Sorry, I meant that SMG viewed it more as a quota filler than that I didn't think it had any worth, although I do feel it looks very dated right now.
How much could it cost to produce an updated Weir's Way, with a new presenter if necessary? (Although I believe Mr Weir is still with us) The old programme doesn't look like it cost a lot to produce, and it would gain the benefits of a) providing a new programme for a 7.30pm slot; b) gaining publicity by being linked to the old Weir's Way, from older viewers, those who have discovered it and genuinely like it, and the student lot, and c) could actually be quite interesting.
How much could it cost to produce an updated Weir's Way, with a new presenter if necessary? (Although I believe Mr Weir is still with us) The old programme doesn't look like it cost a lot to produce, and it would gain the benefits of a) providing a new programme for a 7.30pm slot; b) gaining publicity by being linked to the old Weir's Way, from older viewers, those who have discovered it and genuinely like it, and the student lot, and c) could actually be quite interesting.
Gosh he's bound to be beyond his hiking days now I woulds have thought. Nice to know he's still around.
The programmes weren't exactly lavish in cinematography, but the charm really is in the commentary and sheer volume of history and personal experience that Tom brought to it.
I'm sure there must be someone to take the programme foward, but I won't hold my breath that SMG will start looking.
PC
Eek - he's way beyond his hiking days. Just spotted that he's 90.
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/30657.html - may be of interest.
Incidentally I'm sure I remember hearing that he was paid a flat-fee for doing the shows - so he doesn't get any repeat fees. Shame that, he'd have made a fortune by now.
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/30657.html - may be of interest.
Incidentally I'm sure I remember hearing that he was paid a flat-fee for doing the shows - so he doesn't get any repeat fees. Shame that, he'd have made a fortune by now.